Ruapehu Hut

Perched high above Whakapapa, the largest ski field in New Zealand, this hut receives heavy use during the winter months as a base for skiing, mountaineering and ice climbing. Get together with your friends and spend a day out on New Zealand's most active volcano. Maintained by the enthusiastic members of the Auckland section, this hut always needs your support in the form of joining working bees and paying your hut fees.

Location: High on the Whakapapa ski field at 2040m on Delta Ridge, NW slopes of Mt Ruapehu in the Tongariro National Park.

Grid Ref: Infomap 260-T20 310-138.

Facilities: 20 bunks, electricity, cookers, heating, drying room, water on tap, microwave, utensils, flush toilets. Please bring your own toilet paper, dishwashing liquid and rubbish bags. All rubbish is to be carried out and no food or personal belongings are to be left in the hut.

Door: Locked by keypad. Combination available when booking.

Bookings: Bookings are essential, call the National Office (03) 377 7595 during office hours or emailadmin@alpineclub.org.nz.

Fees: Members $15, Non-members $25 per night, payable to the hut warden or to the National Office, PO Box 786, Christchurch Mail Centre 8140. There are prepaid envelopes and payment forms at the hut. Settlement is required within 14 days of using the hut. Large or school groups may apply to the National Office for a discounted rate. A $10 administration fee is payable in addition to your hut fees if you have to be reminded to pay hut fees by a club official.

Special Conditions: Club members, parties accompanied by a club member, instructional and other approved groups only.

Access: From Top of the Bruce follow first chair lift, then poled ridge south behind Wanganui and R.S.C. Huts on Hut Flat (1.5 hrs approx.).

Alternative access route: At the road end (Top of the Bruce) walk directly up the mountain following the two parallel chairlifts called Rockgarden and Centennial Chairs lifts. When you reach the top of these chairlifts you will be at Hut Flat. Continue walking up the mountain this time following a single chairlift called The Waterfall Express. At the top of the Waterfall Express Lift you will be Knoll Ridge Cafe. Turn right and the hut is located on the top of Delta Ridge, a well-defined ridge with cliffs facing the cafe. Go around to the left of the ridge and climb the slope to the hut. If in doubt, go with a club member who knows the way!

Alternative Accommodation: NZAC members have been offered a 25% discount should they wish to use the WCTC Ski Lodge situated 5mins walk from the top car park. During the ski season $27 Adult and $13.50 childern, outside of the ski season is half the winter price.. Contact: Andrew Wellum 021 143 3710 or (04) 233 1867addingvalue@xtra.co.nz for more details.